By Nicolle Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grant Manager
Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099

Beginning July 1, 2026, cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting projects in Wisconsin can apply for a regular or startup 2027 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry grant.

Regular Urban Forestry grants range from $1,000 to $25,000. These grants fund projects that improve a community’s capacity to manage its trees (e.g., management plans, ordinances, staff training, tree board development, inventories and public education) and projects that help conserve, protect, expand or improve urban forests (e.g., planting, hazard tree removal and pest control).

Startup Urban Forestry grants range from $1,000 to $5,000. These grants are available for communities that want to start or restart a community forestry program.

Regular and startup grant recipients must match each grant dollar for dollar. Grants are awarded to projects aligning with state and national goals for increasing the urban forest canopy and its benefits. The application deadline is Oct. 1, 2026. For more information, visit the DNR’s Urban Forestry Grants webpage.

If you have questions regarding the application process and eligible projects, contact the DNR Urban Forestry grant manager.